Dental orthodontics and its types
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. Teeth that are placed in an inappropriate position and have an unusual shape cause various health problems. It becomes harder to keep teeth clean. A patient with misaligned teeth is at risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases. This situation puts more pressure on the teeth that are responsible for chewing food and subsequently leaves various complications in the long run.
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If orthodontics is not done
If orthodontics is not performed for patients with jaw and teeth abnormalities, various complications will occur for the patients. Among these complications, we can mention tooth decay, gum problems, not chewing food well, and digestive problems. Also, headache, TMJ problems and feeling pain in the neck, shoulder and back are other complications of jaw and teeth abnormalities and not doing orthodontic treatment. Also, crooked and untidy teeth damage the beauty of the patient’s appearance.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthy mouth, pleasing appearance, and teeth that are likely to last longer. The treatment specialist in this field is known as orthodontist or orthodontic specialist.
How do you know you need orthodontics?
Only a dentist or orthodontist can determine whether or not you can use orthodontics. Using diagnostic tools that include a complete medical and dental history, a clinical exam, cast models of your teeth, and specialized imaging, an orthodontist can decide whether you need orthodontics. And it is the orthodontist who can suggest a correct treatment plan to solve the teeth problem.
If you have one of the following conditions, you may be a candidate for orthodontics.
Overbite
When the upper teeth have a lot of vertical overlap on the teeth of the lower row.
Underbite
It is known as the “bulldog” appearance, in which the lower teeth are too far ahead of the upper teeth and the upper teeth are too far back.
Crossbite
When chewing, the upper teeth are not correctly placed on the lower teeth from the transverse dimension.
Open bite
It is said to be open between the two jaws in the front, back or sides.
Misplaced midline
When the middle line of the upper teeth are not aligned with the middle line of the lower teeth.
Spacing
Spaces between teeth that may be caused by the loss of a tooth or even incomplete growth or lack of growth of a tooth.
Crowding
When a large number of teeth (more than normal) are placed in a dental row. This condition leads to overlapping teeth.
How is orthodontic treatment?
There are different types of orthodontic appliances. Fixed and removable orthodontics, both of which help to change the position of the teeth and jaw. The orthodontic device gently applies pressure on the teeth and jaw, which creates the desired change over time. The severity of the deformity of the teeth and the age and physiological characteristics of the patient determine which type of orthodontics to choose for treatment. It is the orthodontic specialist who determines and implements the orthodontic treatment method by examining the patient’s condition at each stage.
Orthodontics is one of the dental specialties that is used to arrange and align the teeth and harmonize the jaws. One of the main tasks of orthodontics is the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and jaw abnormalities. This procedure can be performed by fixed or detachable treatments. These cases can also be done by orthodontics with tooth-colored (ceramic) brackets (composite), or by invisible orthodontics through the lingual system (placing brackets behind the teeth) or invisible orthodontics with clear plates (Invisalign), etc. Fixed orthodontics can be done by Straight, Edgewise, Roth or Damon methods, etc. In addition, new techniques such as Mini Screw can be used to treat abnormalities.
Two groups of orthodontic treatments
One group of orthodontic treatments is to correct teeth and one group of treatments is to fix jaw abnormalities. The treatment of each of these abnormalities requires the use of its own device. If the patient with dental or jaw abnormalities comes in time and cooperates well, the patient’s problems can be easily treated with orthodontics. However, if the patient does not visit on time, or does not cooperate well during orthodontic treatment, or the severity of the jaw abnormality is very high, the patient will need orthodontics along with surgery.
How long does orthodontic bracketing and dental wiring take?
Based on the type of abnormality, the patient may need detachable or fixed orthodontics or jaw surgery along with orthodontics. It is this type of anomaly that determines the type of orthodontic device. If a patient has a jaw problem, it usually takes a year and a half to fix the jaw problem, and a year and a half to fix the dental problem. Now, if the patient only has a dental problem, the treatment only takes a year and a half. Placing the orthodontic wire and bracket on the teeth takes about 30 minutes.
When is the best age for orthodontics?
It is recommended to take the child to an orthodontist as soon as you notice any abnormality in the jaw and teeth. Even if your child is under 8 years old. By visiting early, you can get the necessary preparation to start a calculated orthodontic treatment. The best age for orthodontics is from the age of 8 until the child reaches puberty. But this does not mean that people over 14 or 18 years old cannot benefit from orthodontic treatment. Adult orthodontic treatment may take longer than pediatric orthodontics. But in the end they will reach the desired result.
